pandatrooper
Well-Known Member
Hi all, I just wanted to share a gift I just made for one of my neighbors kids.
Her daughter was being bullied this year at school and was just having a generally crappy time. Dreading school, missing classes, taking different routes to walk, etc. She didn't do anything wrong, just elementary school jerks not treating her properly for the silliest things. School was informed and her parents are guiding her well and she's done better as of late.
For her birthday this week, I thought I'd make her something fairly quick and special. She's turning 10 and a huge Harry Potter fan. I asked her parents if it was OK that I make her something and they enthusiastically said yes.
So initially, I was just going to print a Hogwarts acceptance letter with her name on it and call it done. One thing led to another and this is what we have.
Firstly, thanks to the awesome and talented makers on the RPF especially those on the paper props forums who have given their time to create and recreate art and props from the films. As a graphic designer and illustrator, I know and understand the effort required to make these things and the integrity to share their work with others.
I made her acceptance letter, and I also printed the the Ministry of Magic letter, along with the supplies list. I went through the paper props list and just picked out some random things I thought she'd like and printed them, then I decided it would be cool to put them in a portfolio. I had one I got many years ago and never used, so I modified a big envelope and glued it inside to hold everything.
I typed up a personalized letter from Hagrid, saying congrats on being enrolled at Hogwarts and that he had collected a bunch of things that students gave him, and he was passing them along to her.
I customized and weather the portfolio, did it up all nice. I picked up one of those wax seal Hogwarts stamps off Amazon, but to save time I just used a hot glue gun and painted the finished "seals" for the letter and portfolio.
I was going to make the Marauders map, but I wasn't able to get a good quality oversize print in time. I know I could cut and paste a bunch together, but I decided what the heck and made some simple wands instead. Just some wood dowel, some coat rack pegs, glue and Dremel-fu and some paint. Presto, wands! I decided to make a second one for her little brother who I know wouldn't want to be left out of all the fun (he likes the movies so why not).
Lastly, i thought the wands needed some "Wow" so I made some boxes and weathered them. I cheated a bit and made the lower box out of foamcore as I ran out of card stock but overall I was happy with the results. I wrapped everything in brown paper and tied it all up with string to make it looked like everything walked out of Diagon Alley!
I hope the little girl likes everything, she is getting her gifts tomorrow.
Thanks again RPF paper props makers for putting a little smile on a girl who certainly deserves it! Now onto some pics.
Her daughter was being bullied this year at school and was just having a generally crappy time. Dreading school, missing classes, taking different routes to walk, etc. She didn't do anything wrong, just elementary school jerks not treating her properly for the silliest things. School was informed and her parents are guiding her well and she's done better as of late.
For her birthday this week, I thought I'd make her something fairly quick and special. She's turning 10 and a huge Harry Potter fan. I asked her parents if it was OK that I make her something and they enthusiastically said yes.
So initially, I was just going to print a Hogwarts acceptance letter with her name on it and call it done. One thing led to another and this is what we have.
Firstly, thanks to the awesome and talented makers on the RPF especially those on the paper props forums who have given their time to create and recreate art and props from the films. As a graphic designer and illustrator, I know and understand the effort required to make these things and the integrity to share their work with others.
I made her acceptance letter, and I also printed the the Ministry of Magic letter, along with the supplies list. I went through the paper props list and just picked out some random things I thought she'd like and printed them, then I decided it would be cool to put them in a portfolio. I had one I got many years ago and never used, so I modified a big envelope and glued it inside to hold everything.
I typed up a personalized letter from Hagrid, saying congrats on being enrolled at Hogwarts and that he had collected a bunch of things that students gave him, and he was passing them along to her.
I customized and weather the portfolio, did it up all nice. I picked up one of those wax seal Hogwarts stamps off Amazon, but to save time I just used a hot glue gun and painted the finished "seals" for the letter and portfolio.
I was going to make the Marauders map, but I wasn't able to get a good quality oversize print in time. I know I could cut and paste a bunch together, but I decided what the heck and made some simple wands instead. Just some wood dowel, some coat rack pegs, glue and Dremel-fu and some paint. Presto, wands! I decided to make a second one for her little brother who I know wouldn't want to be left out of all the fun (he likes the movies so why not).
Lastly, i thought the wands needed some "Wow" so I made some boxes and weathered them. I cheated a bit and made the lower box out of foamcore as I ran out of card stock but overall I was happy with the results. I wrapped everything in brown paper and tied it all up with string to make it looked like everything walked out of Diagon Alley!
I hope the little girl likes everything, she is getting her gifts tomorrow.
Thanks again RPF paper props makers for putting a little smile on a girl who certainly deserves it! Now onto some pics.
